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Hampshire loves

31 January 2018

A touch of local artisan flavour is guaranteed to impress your loved one this Valentine's Day. Whether you opt for a sweet treat or a favourite tipple, local means gifts with a story and show you settle for only the very best quality.

Sweet treats

Say I love you with biscuits. The busy bees at Little Bee Bakery have been handmaking a range of romantic iced biscuits. Made to order they are available gluten free, dairy free and vegan friendly. Priced from £2.25, visit Little Bee Bakery for stockists and ordering.

Fizzing with love

Hampshire has gained an enviable reputation as one of the leading regions for English sparkling wine. Hattingley Valley Wine have a stylish gift set which includes a Classic Reserve and a Rosé 2014, available to buy online for £70. A newer vineyard on the block, Raimes, has impressed with its latest release, their 2014 Classic, available to order online. For those in search of grand gestures to celebrate their love, Exton Park Vineyard has just released its magnum, £65.

For the chocoholic

Scrumptious chocolates by Lymington-based, Chocolate by Miss Witt, are sure to impress. Crafted using a special ganache incorporating Hildon Mineral Water, these award-winning chocolates are as delicious as they are beautiful. Flavours include Sea Salt Caramel, Espresso and Prune and Armagnac.

Tipsy tipples

Made with ingredients grown and foraged on the family farm, these quirky bottles of vodka made by Tipsy Wight make treaty gift for a loved one. The award-winning Quince Vodka Liqueur compliments this day of love with quince having been nibbled by new brides in ancient Greece to perfume their kiss. Or perhaps Crabapple Vodka is the one with crabapples having been the symbol of true love for ancient Egyptians. If it's too tricky to choose then opt for one of their snazzy gift boxes. Available to order online, priced from £13.75.

In the mood for love

You know what they say about oysters? Well, J&S Fresh Fish in Southampton Quay are offering customers a special Valentine's deal on oysters, £10 for 12 oysters.

Gin fling

If gin is your thing, then you need to know about the latest release from Pothecary Gin. Their limited edition Thai Blend Gin has a subtle and delicate aroma of lime, with hints of mango and pineapple combining with fresh floral turmeric and coriander leaf. The only question is will you manage to resist trying it before gifting it? RRP £49, 50cl.